Driving a big rig is difficult, and if a driver is not 100% trained, aware, and able to maneuver the truck, accidents can happen. Fatigue is a major contributor to truck accidents in Georgia, but it is something that can easily be prevented. Here’s what you need to know about the relationship between fatigue and truck accidents, and what to do if you or a loved one were injured in a crash.

Is Driving Tired the Same as Driving Drunk?

Many people consider driving drowsy as dangerous as driving drunk. For example, a truck driver who is tired can’t respond quickly to the conditions around them, and the fatigue impairs the vision and hearing of the driver. A driver’s judgment can be impaired by being tired — he or she may not be able to make appropriate decisions, like emergency stopping or using the horn to alert another driver of a potential accident. Driving while intoxicated can also impair a driver’s vision and judgment, and both intoxication and fatigue are direct causes of thousands of accidents every year.

Why Are Truck Drivers Fatigued?

Truck drivers often drive tired for many reasons. Most trucking companies pay their drivers by the mile, not by the hour. Making more money by driving more miles can provide truck drivers with incentives to drive as much as possible, despite laws that restrict how many hours a driver can drive consecutively.

Fatigue and Truck Accidents In Alpharetta

As a truck driver, one of the most important things you need to be aware of is the impact of fatigue on your driving ability. Driving a commercial truck for long hours without proper rest can lead to fatigue, which can increase the risk of accidents. In this article, we will explore the relationship between fatigue and truck accidents, the causes of fatigue, the signs of fatigue, and the ways to prevent fatigue.

Commercial truck drivers have to spend long hours on the road, driving hundreds of miles each day to deliver goods across the country. While truck driving can be a rewarding career, it can also be exhausting and demanding. The nature of the job, including long hours and tight schedules, can lead to fatigue and increase the risk of accidents.

The relationship between fatigue and truck accidents:

Fatigue is one of the leading causes of truck accidents. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), driver fatigue is a factor in up to 13% of all commercial motor vehicle crashes. When a truck driver is fatigued, their reaction times are slower, and their ability to concentrate is reduced. This can lead to poor decision-making, slower reflexes, and impaired judgment, all of which increase the likelihood of accidents.

Causes of fatigue:

Fatigue can be caused by a variety of factors, including lack of sleep, long hours of work, and the monotonous nature of driving. Truck drivers often have to work long hours, and they may not get enough sleep between shifts. In addition, the nature of the job can be monotonous, with long stretches of driving on the same roads, which can lead to boredom and fatigue.

Signs of fatigue:

Recognizing the signs of fatigue is essential for preventing accidents. Some of the most common signs of fatigue include:

• Difficulty staying awake
• Yawning frequently
• Trouble focusing or paying attention
• Slower reaction times
• Drifting or weaving within the lane
• Forgetting recent driving actions
• Head nodding or bobbing

Preventing fatigue:

Preventing fatigue is crucial for the safety of all drivers on the road. There are several ways that truck drivers can reduce their risk of fatigue, including:

• Getting enough sleep: Getting enough sleep is one of the most effective ways to prevent fatigue. It’s essential to ensure that you have enough time to rest before starting a new shift.
• Taking breaks: Taking regular breaks can help combat fatigue. The FMCSA requires that drivers take breaks after a certain number of hours on the road to prevent driver fatigue.
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: Eating a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and getting regular exercise can help you feel more alert and less fatigued.
• Avoiding medication: Certain medications can make you feel drowsy or fatigued, so it’s essential to check with your doctor before taking any medication while on the road.
• Avoiding caffeine and nicotine: While caffeine and nicotine can provide a temporary energy boost, they can also lead to dehydration and interfere with sleep patterns.

When to Contact an Attorney

A truck accident can be devastating and costly for a family. If you or a family member were hurt in a truck accident, you may be eligible for compensation to cover the damages you’ve incurred as a result of the crash, like hospital bills and lost wages. At Chalker Injury Law, we can provide you with the comprehensive legal support you need against big trucking companies with an experienced team of lawyers who handle truck accidents on a regular basis.

Call today for a consultation at (678) 319-9991.